Reginald, son of Somerled (Lord of the Isles), founded the nunnery in 1200 and installed his sister, Beatrice, as its first prioress.

One of only two Augustinian Orders in Scotland, the Iona Nunnery earned itself the name 'An Eaglais Dhubh' - the black church - after the colour of nuns' robes.

Unlike the rest of the Abbey buildings, the Iona Nunnery has not been restored since being made derelict during the Reformation.

The pink granite walls that remain, despite being ruinous, are amongst the best examples of a medieval nunnery left in Britain.

Nearby routes

Best routes near Iona Nunnery

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1. Bunessan Bay – Loch na Lathaich loop from Iona

29.8km

01:16

210m

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Elevation 10 m

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Today

Sunday 15 March

8°C

3°C

74 %

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Max wind speed: 42.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Iona, Argyll and Bute, Scotland, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

St John's Cross, Iona Abbey

Tràigh an t-Suidhe Beach

Columba Lodge

The Keel Row Pub

Iona Abbey and Nunnery

View of the Southern Coast of the Isle of Mull

Loch Staoineig

Baile Mòr Village and Martyrs Bay Café

Pottie Loch Nature Reserve

Fuchsia Hedge

Traigh an t-Suidhe Beach

View of Iona

Iona Nunnery

1. Bunessan Bay – Loch na Lathaich loop from Iona

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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